As a peninsula surrounded by water, Florida sees weather disturbances every year. Florida’s heat, humidity, and winds create the perfect conditions for thunderstorms.
If you live in Florida, you’re probably well acquainted with the turbulent weather patterns. You’ve probably also witnessed a good amount of lightning. But, hopefully, you’ve never had or will need to deal with lightning damage. However, if you live in Florida, that likelihood is higher than in other states. If your home has been subjected to lightning-related damages, contact a Florida property damage attorney today who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Florida, the Lightning Capital of the United States
Florida is no stranger to turbulent weather patterns as a state that regularly experiences hurricanes and tropical storms.
Lightning is an incredibly frightening force of nature that Florida is all too familiar with. It can cause fires and power surges, leading to extensive property damage.
Florida sees so much lightning annually that the National Weather Service has given it the distinction of “lightning capital of the US.” In the past month alone, there have been numerous lightning-produced house fires, one in Tampa and another one in Valrico, to name a few.
The area between Orlando and Tampa is a high-risk zone with the highest lightning strike rate in Central Florida. If you live in this area, you are probably familiar with regular thunderstorms throughout the year.
The high frequency of lightning in Central Florida can be attributed to its geographic location and highland climate, compared to lower temperatures on both sides of the peninsula.
As the lightning capital, Florida is the leading state for lightning-related property damage claims. While lightning damage may seem like a freak accident with a low probability, you’d be surprised how common they are in Florida. In fact, lightning strikes cause about $400 million in damage annually in the US.
Lightning Damage Statistics in Florida and the US
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida is the top state in the nation for lightning insurance losses. Here are some additional statistics:
- In 2021, there were 5,339 lightning damage claims in Florida
- The total value of claims in 2021 amounted to $88.3 million
- The average cost per claim in 2021 was $16,552
Some national statistics on lightning-related damage claims in the US:
- While 2020 was the fourth consecutive year with a decrease in the number of lightning damage claims in the country, the average cost of claims more than doubled since 2017
- Lightning-related claims dropped 6.9% from 2019 to 2020, but the value of the claims increased by 124.6% ($920.1 million in 2019 to $2.1 billion in 2020)
- While Florida takes the lead with the highest count of annual claims, California usually has the highest average cost per claim due to the severity of destruction from lightning-produced fires.
- The average cost per claim in 2021 for California was about $154,574.
What Types of Damage Can Lightning Cause?
There is an average of $451 million in direct property damage caused yearly by lightning. The damage that results from lightning can be much more damaging than homeowners realize.
When lightning strikes, it can cause electrical surges that result in deadly fires and severe damage. It can damage appliances, electronics, computers, phone systems, electrical fixtures, air conditioning systems, and the entire electrical foundation of a home.
If lighting hits the inner parts of the walls in a house, it can cause a surge in the electrical circuits, which would cause a house fire. In addition, lightning can potentially ruin your home’s plumbing system. If lightning hits any of your plumbing, it can cause leaks and water damage.
Even lightning that does not directly strike your home but hits the ground can cause issues for your home. The shock waves created by lightning can ruin the foundation of your house.
Steps To Take After Your House Gets Damaged By Lightning
If you want to file a property insurance claim after your house gets struck by lightning, you’ll need to follow a few crucial steps.
First, take pictures and note all damages to your property. Next, contact your insurance company and make a claim. Create a thorough list of all damaged items and property. Then, call your local fire department as soon as possible, and note the date and time you called them. The next step is to contact a professional electrician or plumber to inspect your house and document the damage caused by lightning.
Sometimes insurance companies deny claims because homeowners do not provide sufficient evidence to prove that lightning caused the damage. That’s why it’s vital to take pictures of all damage from lightning, like holes or asphalt.
Lastly, the most critical step will be to get a Florida property damage attorney who can guide you through the claims process and help protect your legal rights as a homeowner.
How Long Do I Have To Make a Lightning Damage Claim?
Florida’s statutes allow homeowners to file a damage lawsuit five years after the lightning strikes. However, bear in mind that insurance companies require policyholders to file a claim much sooner, usually within 60 days of the incident.
Once you submit an insurance claim, the insurance company will investigate your claim and respond. In addition, they will probably offer you a settlement to compensate you for repairs and other damages you may have incurred.
Florida Property Damage Claim Attorneys
Sadly, Florida homes suffer the consequences of natural disasters like hurricanes and lightning every year. When that happens, you need an experienced property damage attorney who will fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, having strong litigators who can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf means you can focus on repairing your home.
Contact an experienced Florida property damage attorney today for a free consultation, or call (727) 381-2300.
